This page may not display properly in older browsers

We are all probably familiar with the fact that the wedding ring, or "circle", symbolized perfection, perfect unity with no beginning and no end. For some it represents holiness, perfection and peace, as well as the sun, earth and universe. You may even be aware that it was once believed that the third finger of the left hand had a special vein, "vena amoris" or "the vein of love", running directly to the wearers heart. And it is from this romantic custom that we today have the custom of placing the wedding ring on this finger.

It is believed the Pharaohs of Egypt first used the circle, a shape with no beginning or end, as a symbol of eternity, but wearing a ring as a public pledge to honor the marriage contract did not become customary until Roman times. The earliest rings were made of simple iron, but gold rings set with gems were fashionable by medieval days. The most popular gems were symbolic -- red ruby was the color of the heart, blue sapphire reflected the heavens -- but the most coveted and powerful gem was the indestructible diamond.

You might not know though, that it was King Edward VI of England that designated the third finger, of the left hand, as the ring finger. Then in 1549 the Book of Common Prayer designated the left hand as the "marriage" hand, a tradition that is recognized around the world today.

Until the thirteenth century, there was no engagement ring. Pope Innocent III declared that a waiting period should be observed between the betrothal agreement and the wedding ceremony. This is why today we have one ring for the engagement and one ring for the wedding. The first recorded diamond engagement ring, was given by the King of Germany, Maximilian I, to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.

Just before your wedding ceremony it is customary to exchange your engagement ring to the third finger of your right hand so that your wedding ring can go on the correct finger during the service. You can later move your engagement ring over.

# 1

Officiant to Groom -- ________ , have you a token of your love for ___________ ?

Officiant to Bride -- ________ , have you a token of your love for ___________ ?

Traditionally, the marking of the passage to the status of husband and wife is marked by the exchange of rings. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end. Love freely given has no giver and no receiver - for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

Place this ring on her finger and repeat after me:

[Groom] - This ring, a gift for you, symbolizes my desire that you be my wife from this day forward.

Place this ring on his finger and repeat after me:

[Bride] - This ring, a gift for you, symbolizes my desire that you be my husband from this day forward.

Let these rings serve not as locks binding you together, but as keys, unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever.

# 2

I give this ring in token and in pledge of my constant faith and abiding love with all that I am and all that I will become.

# 3

From earliest time, the ring has been a symbol of wedded love. It is a perfect circle to symbolize the unending love you promise. [groom], take the ring which you have selected, place it on [bride's] finger, and say to her these words.

This ring I give you, in token and in pledge, of my constant faith and abiding love.

[bride], take the ring which you have selected, place it on [groom's] finger, and say to him these words.

This ring I give you, in token and in pledge, of my constant faith and abiding love.

# 4

I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage.
With my body and soul I honor you.
All that I am I give to you.
And all that I have I share with you.

En Español
Yo te entrego este anillo como un simbolo de nuestro matrimonio.
Todo lo que soy te lo entrego
Y todo lo que tengo lo comparto contigo.

# 5

Officiant: Marriage is a state in which two people come together and create a union that is greater than the mere sum of two individuals. It is difficult to express in words the profound relationship that is love. What emblems do you have of your love and regard for one another? [Rings are handed to officiant.] From time immemorial, the circlet of metal has been an emblem of the sincerity and permanence of a couple's love and regard for one another and their union. As the precious metal turns again upon itself, so does a good marriage turn upon itself for its refreshment and renewal. Take these rings and exchange them in the spirit of love.

Couple: I give you this ring as token that I shall love you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever.

# 6

Groom: [Name], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love.

Bride: I will wear it gladly and whenever I look at it I will remember this joyous day and the vows we've made. [Name), I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love.

Groom: I will wear it gladly and whenever I look at it I will remember this joyous day and the vows we've made. (Peg Kehret)

# 7

Bride: Please give me your hand. {he does, she puts the ring on his finger) I give you now this wedding ring, a symbol of my unending love and devotion. May its presence on your hand serve always to remind you of my love.

Groom: I will wear it proudly. Please give me your hand. {she does, he puts the ring on her finger} I give you now this wedding ring, a symbol of my unending love and devotion. May its presence on your hand serve always to remind you of my love.

Bride: I will wear it proudly. (Peg Kehret)

# 8

Groom: With this ring, I wed you -- for today, for tomorrow and for all the tomorrows to come. Please wear it as a sign to all the world that you have chosen me to be your husband.

Bride: With this ring, I wed you -- for today, for tomorrow and for all the tomorrows to come. Please wear it as a sign to all the world that you have chosen me to be your wife. (Peg Kehret)